Montague, Michigan Public Records

Michigan residents can register online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, operated by the Michigan Secretary of State. The state offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and cast ballots on Election Day at their clerk's office or polling place with proof of residency. Online registration requires a Michigan driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. First-time voters registering by mail may need to show identification when voting. Municipal elections in Montague select city council members and a mayor. The city operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and six council members. These elections occur in odd-numbered years on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November, placing the next city election on November 4, 2025. Information about local candidates, ballot proposals, and polling locations is available through the Muskegon County Clerk's website and the City of Montague website. Sample ballots typically appear several weeks before each election. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, where entering an address reveals voter registration status, polling location, and sample ballot. Polling places have historically included Montague City Hall and local community centers, though assignments may shift based on precinct boundaries. Michigan maintains strong public access to election records. Voter registration lists are public records available for purchase from Muskegon County Clerk for legitimate purposes, though personal details like birth dates and driver's license numbers remain protected. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates can be searched through the Michigan Secretary of State's Campaign Finance database at www.michigan.gov/cfr. Candidate filings and nominating petitions are public records at the Muskegon County Clerk's office. Precinct-level election results for the city and all county precincts are published by the Muskegon County Clerk following certification, typically appearing on the clerk's website within days of each election. Michigan does not have a U.S.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Montague voters are published by the Michigan Bureau of Elections (https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections). However, Michigan voters will elect a Governor in 2026, along with other statewide offices including Attorney General and Secretary of State. The county will elect county commissioners for districts including the city, along with county executive and other county offices. Additional local races may include Muskegon County Sheriff, Prosecutor, Clerk, Treasurer, and judicial positions for the 14th Circuit Court and 60th District Court. Voters should check closer to the election date for confirmed candidates and ballot proposals. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without providing an excuse. Voters can apply for absentee ballots online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at the Muskegon County Clerk's office or Montague City Clerk. Applications must be received by the Friday before Election Day for mail ballots, though voters can request and submit absentee ballots in person at the clerk's office through 8 PM on Election Day. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail (must be postmarked by Election Day and received within six days), deposited in a drop box, or delivered in person to the clerk's office. State law allows voters to track their absentee ballot status online through the Michigan Voter Information Center.